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Several People Killed and Injured After Driver Plows into Crowd at Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver
A tragic incident unfolded Saturday night at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, where a driver plowed into a crowd, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
According to preliminary reports, at least eight people, including a child, have been confirmed dead, and at least six others were critically injured.
Vancouver Police have not officially confirmed the final number of casualties but are expected to provide an update at a press conference scheduled for midnight local time.
Witnesses reported that a black Audi SUV drove through the crowded festival area around 8:00 p.m. near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street.
Festival attendees described scenes of panic and chaos, with people yelling, screaming, and rushing to escape the vehicleโs path as it struck vendors and pedestrians.
Vancouver Police confirmed that the driver responsible for the incident is in custody.
Authorities have yet to release a motive but noted that the suspect may have had prior interactions with law enforcement as recently as the day before the incident.
Sources also indicate the individual has a history of mental health challenges.
In a statement released Saturday evening, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy:
“We are shocked and saddened by this horrific incident at the Lapu Lapu Day event. Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouverโs Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available,” he said.
Deana Lancaster, a spokesperson for Vancouver General Hospitalโthe region’s top trauma centerโconfirmed that the hospital was receiving multiple patients from the scene.
Photos and videos circulating on social media showed the black SUV believed to have been involved in the attack, and festival attendees described the terrifying moments leading up to the crash.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact Vancouver Police immediately.
SAGAMU, Ogun State, Nigeria โ The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the fatal motor vehicle collision that injured British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two passengers, has been formally charged in court.
Police officials stated that Kayode, 46, was arraigned on Thursday, January 2, 2026, before the Sagamu Magistrate Court, where he faces charges of reckless and dangerous driving.
The case has been adjourned until January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.
According to police, the crash occurred earlier in the week along the LagosโIbadan Expressway, a major highway in southwestern Nigeria.
The Lexus SUV was transporting Anthony Joshua and two of his close associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when it collided with a stationary truck parked along the roadway.
Both Ayodele and Ghami sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that the defendant was granted bail in the sum of โฆ5 million (approximately $3,480 USD), with two sureties, and was remanded in custody pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated in a public update that the arraignment followed a comprehensive preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
Authorities emphasized that investigations remain ongoing.
Anthony Joshua, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, survived the crash but reportedly suffered significant emotional trauma as a result of the incident.
Ayodele and Ghami were described as long-time friends, training partners, and key members of Joshuaโs professional support team, regularly accompanying him before, during, and after major fights.
Ayodele was notably present ringside during Joshuaโs recent bout, where he was seen holding the Nigerian flag.
The remains of the two deceased men were transported to a mortuary in Sagamu.
Both were reported to be Muslims, and arrangements for burial in accordance with Islamic rites are pending. Officials have not yet confirmed when their bodies will be repatriated to the United Kingdom.
Authorities have also renewed calls for improved road safety enforcement, particularly concerning the illegal and prolonged parking of heavy-duty trucks along highways, which has been cited as a recurring hazard on Nigerian roads.
The Ogun State Police Command urged motorists to exercise caution, adhere strictly to speed limits, and ensure proper judgment when overtaking or maneuvering on highways.
Further updates are expected as the case proceeds through the court system.